The Aussies did our nation proud across a whole range of events at the Olympic Games – from the pool, to the hockey field, and track and athletics.

But did you know some of the proud Olympic athletes over the years have been from the local area?

There’s certainly a reason why Narrabri holds the title of Australia’s Sportiest Town.

This year, the Narrabri Shire was represented on the global stage by high jump star Brandon Starc.

If you followed the latest Olympics, it’s likely you’ve heard about the shared gold medal between two first place getters – Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi – in the men’s high jump.

Australia’s Starc wasn’t far behind them, finishing fifth overall – a massive 10 places higher than his result in Rio just five years ago.

Starc’s top clearance was 2.35m, which is the highest ever by an Aussie at the Olympics.

This height would have claimed a medal at every Olympic Games since 2000, but unfortunately Starc narrowly missed out at this year’s competition.

Sports fanatics across the nation proudly cheered on the athlete, but none more so than his family right here in Narrabri, the Atkinsons.

Starc’s mother, Julie May (nee Atkinson), is the sister of Narrabri farmer Trevor Atkinson.

They grew up together on a local property before Mrs May moved to the city.

She says she’s incredibly proud of her son for his Olympic achievements.

“It’s definitely a proud mum moment for me,” she said.

“He did so well, and this year’s competition was definitely the toughest he’s faced, so to finish in fifth is amazing.”

Mrs May told The Courier that she and other family members were watching live together via Zoom.

“We would’ve loved to be there, cheering him on, but he knows we were all supporting him from back home in lockdown,” she said.

“Brandon’s worked very hard to get to this point, so we’re all grateful that he got to perform on the global stage amid COVID safety measures – especially after the disappointment of last year’s Games being cancelled.”

Starc’s grandparents, Betty and Frank Atkinson of Narrabri, mirrored their daughter’s delight regarding the athlete’s achievements.

“It was just wonderful to see him perform, even if we couldn’t be there in person, we were in front of the TV cheering him on,” Mrs Atkinson said.

“His result is absolutely well-deserved, he’s very dedicated and has trained hard.”

“So for Frank and I to be able to see him do so well was just great – good on him.”

Starc’s next challenge will be defending the gold next year at the Commonwealth Games, as well as jumping in the world championships, before trying out to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics.

The Atkinsons will continue watching proudly as Starc competes, overjoyed by his athletic achievements.

But he isn’t the first to represent the local area at the Olympics – Starc is among excellent company with retired sporting greats such as Andrew Currey, Nira Stove and Jason Stoltenberg.

Javelin thrower Currey was born in Wee Waa and went on to become the nation’s leading specialist in the sport in the 1990s.

He competed in a range of athletic competitions including world championships, Goodwill Games – where he achieved bronze in the United States in 1998 – Commonwealth and Olympic Games and more.

Meanwhile Stove, who moved to Narrabri in 1969 with her family, became the first female Olympian from the Parkes electorate in 1976.

The swimmer competed in the 100m butterfly at the Montreal Olympic Games, finishing fourth in her heat.

Stove is one of the sportspeople listed on the Narrabri Sporting Wall of Fame.

Also named on the wall is tennis star Jason Stoltenberg, who was born in Narrabri in 1970.

He ranked equal 17th at the 1996 Olympics Games in Atlanta, just behind other Aussie tennis players Mark Philippoussis and Todd Woodbridge who achieved equal ninth.

The Courier wishes Starc and the athletes representing Australia the best of luck in their future sporting endeavours.

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